Live life with a sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do. Ephesians 5:15

Dear Friends,
 
It’s those of you who know me personally know that Fall is my favorite season.  There is something wonderful about the change of colors, the smell of apples, pumpkins and cinnamon, and of course, football.  I was once a devoted Chicago Bears fan but, 30 years ago, I married Kevin and at the same time I married his beloved Green Bay Packers.  It did take some time to learn the player’s names and their positions, but a fondness developed for this team in green and gold. 

Throughout the years I realized there were significant milestones with the Packers and I also noticed a correlation between Green Bay and City Impact.  Allow me to share some of my insights:

1. The Packer’s are a community owned team it is the only one in the NFL.  City Impact is a community based organization owned by the community of believers.
2. The Packer’s have a history of temporary losses and big wins.  Throughout City Impact’s existence we have had ups and downs – staff struggles, financial troubles, discouragements, yet many children, youth and families have come to experience Christ’s overwhelming love for them.
3. In the past 30 years, players have been traded - yet, with those players left they are better because of their experience with Green Bay.  City Impact has had staff members move on – some in the roles of Senior Pastors of churches, others in education, law enforcement, probation and social work. 
4. In the Packers 100 years of existence they have had 15 head coaches all with different coaching styles.  Although City Impact has only had one coach (me), we have changed our methodology several times to meet the needs of the community.
5. The success of the Packers is not based on one player or one position – City Impact’s success is because of God loving intervention with every staff person and every life that has been impacted.

In closing, let me leave you with the words of Vince Lombardi – “Teamwork is what the Green Bay Packers were all about.  They didn't do it for individual glory.  They did it because they loved one another.”  Here’s my slight revision - “Teamwork is what City Impact is all about.  We don’t do it for individual glory.  We do it because we love Jesus and each other.”

Because of Him,
Betty Alvarez Ham, President
 
P.S. Just finished watching Green Bay beat Dallas - GO PACK GO!
​
City Impact’s 25th Anniversary is coming in 2020 watch for celebration updates!